Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh

The Scott Hotel and its restaurant, Bonnars, have unveiled its highly anticipated festive packages, offering both luxurious overnight escapes and festive fine dining for visitors and Edinburgh locals.

Article Source: The Scott Hotel
Last Updated: 24 October 2025 10:42

There’s no place like Scotland’s capital at Christmas. Full of festive charm, must-see Christmas markets and a lively food and drink scene, Edinburgh offers the perfect backdrop for a seasonal getaway.

Nestled beside Holyrood Park in the city’s leafy Southside, The Scott Hotel and its restaurant, Bonnars, have unveiled its highly anticipated festive packages, offering both luxurious overnight escapes and festive fine dining for visitors and Edinburgh locals.

Whether you’re looking for a short city getaway or a memorable festive dining experience, The Scott Hotel is the perfect place to come together with loved ones and relax.

Festive overnight packages

Guests can settle into the grandeur of The Scott Hotel for an unforgettable two-night stay, with every detail taken care of — from mulled wine on arrival to a decadent Christmas Day feast at Bonnar’s restaurant.

Available from 24-26 December, this two-night package is available from £650 per room (based on two guests sharing a Classic Double Room) and includes:

• Two nights’ accommodation (minimum stay)
• Daily breakfast for each guest
• Three-course dinner in Bonnar’s restaurant on either 24 or 26 December
• Traditional Christmas Day lunch in Bonnar’s
• Welcome drink on arrival
• Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

For an extra touch of indulgence, guests can add a chilled bottle of champagne or upgrade to one of the hotel’s signature suites.

Festive dining at Bonnar’s

If you’re looking to enjoy a delicious Christmas meal without the fuss, Bonnar’s offers an exquisite five-course lunch or dinner crafted to showcase the very best in seasonal Scottish produce — perfect for an elegant festive gathering.

Open to both residents and non-residents, the Christmas Day menu is £150 per person (included in the two-night Residential Package).

Dishes include cured Loch Etive trout, grilled pork neck with winter truffle and an indulgent croissant bread and butter pudding with fig-leaf custard.

Sittings are available at 1.30pm and 6pm.

For a more private celebration, The Scott’s intimate Library dining room accommodates up to 12 guests and can be booked upon request.

Hogmanay celebrations

For those looking to make Hogmanay truly memorable, The Scott Hotel is offering a beautifully crafted seven-course tasting menu, expertly curated by Head Chef, Pier Beretta, to capture the sparkle of the season.

Priced at £200 per person, the luxurious tasting menu features stand-out seasonal dishes such as fresh oysters with cherry blossom, lobster with preserved elderflower and rich pheasant with winter chanterelles. The menu ends on sweet notes with toffee pudding, clementine canelé and chocolate truffle.

The Library, our intimate and atmospheric private dining space, is also available for private Hogmanay celebrations upon request.

Speaking about the Christmas season at The Scott Hotel, Group General Manager, Gavin MacLennan said: “At The Scott Hotel, Christmas is more than fine dining and beautiful surroundings – it’s about creating memories and enjoying the magic of the season. Whether guests are joining us for Christmas dinner or a luxury overnight escape, they can look forward to exceptional food and drink, charming festive surroundings and a truly special celebration. Our team takes care of every last detail so all that’s left to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the spirit of Edinburgh at Christmas.”

To reserve your festive stay or book a table for Christmas Day or Hogmanay, contact The Scott reservations team at reservations@ed.ac.uk. Full prepayment is required one month prior to arrival. All bookings are subject to availability.

Image: The Scott - festive decor

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